6/24/2010 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As of July 1, Airmen throughout the Air Force are being tested under new standards for the physical fitness test.

These changes, enforced by senior Air Force leadership, have been implemented to ensure Airmen are fit to fight and lead a healthy lifestyle. Changes include bi-annual testing, minimum requirements within testing components and establishing Fitness Assessment Cell teams to proctor tests.

"Under the new program we only have (the same) four civilians conducting the testing to military members," said Lou South, 325th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center director. "This means there will be more consistency across the board for all the different squadron members. They will also be enforcing correct push-ups and sit-ups."

The four FAC team members are conducting daily testing for up to 12 members a session, three sessions a day. They are held at 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Prior to testing, the individuals view a demonstration of the correct push-up and sit-up techniques, then proceed to individual testing areas to measure height, weight and abdominal circumference and to test push-ups and sit-ups. Following that is the 1.5 mile run conducted on a designated track.

Although twice-a-year testing began Jan. 1, the Air Force delayed implementing the new fitness program until July 1 when Air Force Instruction 36-2905 became effective. Airmen receive age and gender-specific composite scores based on the following maximum component scores: 60 points for aerobic, 20 points for body composition, 10 points for pushups and 10 points for sit-ups. To pass, members must achieve a minimum of 75 adjusted points and meet at least minimum standards in each category. If an Airman fails one category, they fail the entire test. Airmen who score over a 90 percent in each of the four categories are only required to test once a year.

"The standards themselves haven't changed." said Erik Edwards, 325th FSS lead FAC member. "They are just now reinforced. It went from a wide range of roughly 400 Physical Training Leaders to four consistent FAC members to enforce the standards."

Mr. Edwards also mentions that this may help alleviate any intimidation of rank or professional and personal relationships interfering with testing. Unit physical training leaders are now primarily used for conducting practice tests and PT sessions. In some cases, they will be appointed as augmentees and will receive further training on the new testing procedures.

The testing is currently being conducted at the Health and Wellness Center on base, Bldg. 1307. When the new Fitness Center opens in August, the testing will be conducted in a designated area at the new center.

For more information about the new PT standards, visit http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram.